kjproulx

The 2010 How to Train Your Dragon is one of my all-time favorite animated films, and the trilogy as a whole holds a special place for me. So when a live-action remake was announced, I was both confused and curious. Knowing that Dean DeBlois, one of the original creators, was returning to write and direct gave me hope that it would be handled with care, and to its credit, the 2025 version is a strong film. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was largely unnecessary.

The remake sticks extremely close to the original, almost shot-for-shot. The story of Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a wounded dragon and challenges his tribe's beliefs, remains as emotionally resonant as ever. The characters, world-building, and visual style all echo what made the animated film so special. But that's the issue: it doesn't bring much new to the table. As much as I enjoyed watching it, I couldn't help but feel like I was just seeing the same great movie in a slightly different format.

Of course, there's something to be said for "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but it raises the question, why remake it at all if you're not going to evolve it? Other remakes, like Disney's The Jungle Book, successfully built upon the original with new scenes and fresh ideas. This version of How to Train Your Dragon, while technically excellent, doesn't take many creative risks or attempt to reimagine its source material in any meaningful way.

That said, it's still a fantastic film. The score remains powerful, the cast brings real heart to their roles, and returning Gerard Butler as Stoick was a smart move that added emotional continuity. A few rough CGI moments aside, there's nothing "wrong" with it. I just can't help but feel that it was made more for new audiences than longtime fans. And for those seeing the story for the first time, it'll probably be just as magical as it was for me back in 2010.

Growing up, my introduction to Superman came through Smallville, which was my only exposure to the character until Superman Returns hit theatres in 2006. Interestingly, that film, intended as a loose sequel to the Christopher Reeve era, was my first real experience with any Superman movie. After watching it, I went back to explore the earlier live-action films and several animated versions, which helped me grow into a full-fledged fan of the character. I even enjoyed Zack Snyder's darker take with Man of Steel and his version of the Justice League. At this point, I've seen numerous portrayals and adaptations, and I can confidently say I'll show up for any Superman film.

Now, with director James Gunn taking the reins to build an entirely new DC Universe from scratch, he's chosen Superman as its official starting point. After years of anticipation, the film has finally arrived, and I'm happy to report that I was thoroughly entertained. It had the smile-inducing energy I was hoping for, balancing lighthearted humour and silliness with strong action and romantic beats. While I appreciated the darker tone of the previous franchise, this new direction feels refreshing and full of heart. Some might be thrown off by how playful the tone can get, but once the movie found its rhythm, I embraced it and had a blast.

At its core, the plot remains simple yet effective: Lex Luthor, the power-hungry billionaire, sees Superman as a threat to his success and control. Amidst this central conflict, the film explores Superman's attempts to do good in a world that often questions his motives. He juggles a complicated relationship with Lois Lane, faces public skepticism, and contends with outlandish threats, all while maintaining his resolve to be Earth's protector. The movie had nearly everything I was hoping for in terms of fun and emotional resonance, though it's not without its flaws. A tighter focus and trimming a few subplots could have helped, even though the film could've also been longer.

The film's opening sequence, which cleverly brings audiences up to speed, was quite funny and well-executed. That said, considering how quickly it dives into a fully formed world, a brief origin recap or montage could've helped ease in newer viewers. While longtime fans like myself won't mind, the story assumes a degree of familiarity that may leave casual audiences a bit disoriented. A few characters and side arcs also felt a bit unnecessary early on, but they do pay off by the final act, tying everything together in a satisfying way.

David Corenswet shines as both Clark Kent and Superman, delivering the charm and presence the role demands. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane is among the best I've seen in any version of the duo. Edi Gathegi stands out as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion is reliably hilarious, and Isabela Merced brings charisma and energy to Hawkgirl. James Gunn has delivered a playful launch to this new DC Universe, and while I hope future installments dial back the silliness just a touch, especially when it undermines emotional moments, I still had a fantastic time with what was delivered here. This film might not be for everyone, but for fans like me, it felt like a colourful, joyful, live-action cartoon, and it absolutely worked.

The Jurassic Park franchise has always been a mixed bag for me. Like many, I adore the original, but none of the sequels have truly recaptured its magic. 2015's Jurassic World came close and reignited my excitement for the series, only for that excitement to crash with the next two entries. So when Jurassic World Rebirth was announced, I approached it with more curiosity than hope, and to my surprise, it's a step up from the last couple of films.

Set years after Jurassic World Dominion, the story introduces a fresh cast led by Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), who's on a mission to collect blood samples from three of the world's largest dinosaurs. Things spiral when her team crosses paths with a stranded family, leaving them all stuck on a remote island teeming with dinosaurs. The setup may feel familiar, but the chemistry between the characters, their banter, and the cast's energy help make it entertaining.

That said, I still find myself missing the grounded terror of the earlier films. The overuse of experimental hybrids and fictional species had me rolling my eyes more than once, and I continue to wish for a movie that explores full-on human survival in a world where dinosaurs roam freely. This one once again skips past that concept, jumping ahead in time and sidelining one of the most terrifying ideas the series ever introduced.

Still, the positives outweigh the flaws. The film delivers genuine tension, standout set pieces, and even the side characters, who seemed annoying at first, ended up having purpose and growth. Yes, the story is absurd, and the fact that anyone keeps volunteering for these dinosaur missions is laughable, but that's part of the franchise's charm at this point. For all its flaws, Jurassic World Rebirth is a dumb spectacle done right, and I had a blast watching it. I'd be more than happy to see where it goes next.